Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij on how the Cats shook off funk against Western Bulldogs

Geelong was sluggish heading into the weekend but keyed in on one area to ramp up their game and show glimpses of their premiership best.

To get their attacking game back on track, the Cats were happy to cop a few mistakes in the search for more aggressive ball movement against the Western Bulldogs, defender Jake Kolodjashnij as revealed.

Geelong battled to move the ball with any of the verve that defined the 2022 premiership run in a disappointing loss to GWS Giants last weekend.

Jake Kolodjashnij takes a mark. Picture: Michael Klein

Heading into a vital meeting with the Dogs, the Cats agreed that even if some attacking kicks missed the mark, they would continue to bite off the risky balls.

There were several mistakes in the opening quarter with Oisin Mullin, Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Ceglar all missing difficult kicks in the corridor, but Geelong stuck with it and displayed some of the offensive chops that were so deadly last year.

“We sort of touched on our ball movement throughout the week and how we wanted to go about it and no matter what was going to happen, if we turned a few over and mucked a few up, we would stick with it,” Kolodjashnij said.

“So that was a focus and it was a real positive that we kept trying to pull those off throughout the night.

“It’s a fun way to play and it’s how we want to play. We are at our best when we move the footy.”

Geelong and Tanner Bruhn stuck with their decisiveness by foot. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

It was a typical game from Kolodjashnij on Saturday night as he didn’t stuff the statsheet but played a vital role in Geelong’s back six allowing only two goals after half-time.

The premiership Cat had just 12 disposals but went at 100 per cent efficiency and had some big contest wins, including outpointing Aaron Naughton at an important time in the third quarter.

Kolodjashnij said he is happy to be overlooked as the focus remains on his star teammates, while the adaptable defender remains one of the first picked for the Cats every week.

“I sort of like slipping under the radar, we have some superstars in the team so I am happy doing my role and chipping away, contributing where I can,” he said.

“Obviously I just love being a part of it and these are the nights it is a good night to be a part of it. you are tired, you are absolutely exhausted after the game and you’ve had a good win.”

Mental boost that helped Geelong lift against Dogs

A positive focus gave Geelong a “booster mentally” to shake off a three-game slump and get back to winning before Saturday night’s crunch victory over the Western Bulldogs.

After a poor showing against GWS Giants in round 11, the Cats dropped out of the eight, with its premiership defence teetering.

Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The Cats spent the week focusing on the best parts of their game in a bid to snap out of the funk, with coach Chris Scott making a rare statement publicly about some Geelong players being passive.

Defender Jake Kolodjashnij said the positive freshen up cleared the way for the Cats to get back to some of their best footy, which they showed in the 22-point win over the Dogs.

Gary Rohan enjoys the win. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“I think it was just reminding ourselves what we are capable of,” he said.

“We had a really good year last year and we sort of had a bit of a slump but it was just a bit of a booster mentally that we know we are good enough and when we execute properly we are a dangerous team.

“It was a great way to get some momentum going into the bye and hopefully we can carry that going into the second half of the year.

“It was a great game to be a part of. Hopefully we can keep holding that momentum, it was a super effort.”

While vice-captain Tom Stewart led the way, the Cats were helped along by some strong performances by younger players.

Mitch Knevitt stood up. Picture: Michael Klein.

Mitch Knevitt gathered 17 disposals and kicked an important goal after the half-time siren in his best AFL game yet, Tanner Bruhn had some important moments through the midfield and Ollie Henry kicked the most important goal of the night in the final term.

Kolodjashnij said the experienced Cats took notice of those efforts.

“It is such an energy booster seeing those guys take the game by the scruff of the neck and wanting to be in those big moments, all that stuff really lifts as a team and it’s fun to play that way as well,” he said.

The Cats will take in the bye this week before a blockbuster next Thursday night against Port Adelaide.

Jack Bowes put his hand up for selection after gathering 28 disposals in a VFL loss on Saturday, while Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan and Max Holmes are all likely to be available.

Originally published as Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij on how the Cats shook off funk against Western Bulldogs